MEN AND MATTER
O.P. Sharma
Prof. Rameshwar Dass Gupta, (R.D. Gupta) ex-Associate Dean and Chief Scientist(KVK) at SKUAST-J, exhorts agricultural scientists and farmers to put best for evolving new technologies for higher field productivity to tackle twin problems of hunger and poverty. He implored that new agricultural methods and techniques must be put to use in the fields. Both the scientists and cultivators should work together for higher yields in farm production through another Green Revolution.
Dr. Gupta pleads that fast growing knowledge in the agriculture must be effectively disseminated to the farmers. This son of the soil had a life long struggle to achieve new height in acquiring bright academic career and later had practical field experience which distinguished him with significant attainments.
Born on September 27, 1941 in border village of Thub, near Sandaun-Ghomansan in Jammu distinct, Dr. Gupta lost his father at sapling age after which his mother and maternal grand-parents inspired and supported him during his long and bright educational career. He faced boldly the odds in his life and achieved significantly the main goal of his life: a specialized education and service to the society.
He successfully completed BSc. Agriculture with specialisation in Agricultural Chemistry from J&K University securing third position in 1965. Later, he did MSc in Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science with second position from Ranchi University during 1968 and subsequently did Ph.D in Soil Science and Water Management from CSK, Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwa Vidayalaya, Palampur. He has also qualified Post-Graduate Diploma in Ecology and Environment from Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment, New Delhi in 1991.
Dr. Gupta proudly recalls that his MSc Agriculture thesis: studies on the Genesis, physical, chemical, mineralogical and microbiogical nature of the soils of Jammu and Kashmir was a pioneer work. And added its findings found mention in many prestigious journals like Indian Society Soil Science, Indian National Science Academy, Indian Journal of Agricultural Chemistry, Current Agriculture etc.
Prof. Gupta told me that he started his professional career as an Assistant Extension Specialist (Soil Science) in PAU, Ludhiana during December 1968, promoted as Assistant Microbiologist/Assistant Scientist in CSKHPKVV. After completing Ph.D during 1980 as an in-service candidate he was elevated to Extension Specialist (Soil Science) and posted to Regional Agricultural Research Station at Dhaulakuan, Sirmour (HP), under the first newly created Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) project from ICAR, New Delhi, in May 1983. Prof. Gupta, was the founder of the first KVK in Himachal Pradesh.
During February 1985, Prof. Gupta joined as Deputy Director Extension Education under SKUAST at R.S. Pura and rose to the position of Head at R.A.R.S R.S. Pura in 1992 cum Chief Scientist, KVK, Jammu district and then also served as Associate Dean, SKUAST- Jammu. He was also the founder of the first KVK in Jammu region. He also remained Head Divisions of Agriculture Chemistry & Soil Science, Agro Forestry and Extension Education.
Dr. Gupta has the distinction of being an author of 150, peer research/review papers which have been published in various reputed journals/books. Besides, Dr. Gupta has authored five books titled: “Problems of Soil & Forest Resources of North West Himalayas (1991)”, “Environmental Degradation of Jammu and Kashmir Himalayas and Their Control (2005)”, “Environmental Pollution : Hazards and Control (2006)”, “Glimpses of North West Himalayas (2009)” and “Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in a sustainable Rice, Wheat Cropping System (2009)” as co-author.
Prof. Gupta has guided a number M.Sc. students in Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science and acted as advisory committee member” of some M.Sc. and Ph.D students of various disciplines at the FOA.
In view of his laudable service in the field of agriculture, the Central Mahajan Sabha, Jammu honoured him twice as the scholarly son of the community in 1997 and 1998. Prof. Gupta was conferred with an honorary appointment to the Research Board of Advisor by the American Biological Institute (ABI) and bestowed with Gold Plaque in 2010. He has also been conferred with Professional Excellence Award from the Soil Conservation Society of India and Bharat Vikas Parishad during 2006 and 2009 respectively
Asked about his message to young students and scientists he said, “They should work hard without thinking of its fruit and must always remain in discipline”. The discipline he impressed should be like the Sun and the Army. Illustrating his point, he said, “the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, it is a sort of discipline. During the war Army personnel have to go into the mouth of the cannon which is also a kind of discipline”.
He married Mohini Kumari in 1969 and have two daughters: Ramni Gupta, Seema Gupta and also one son, Dr Naveen Mahajan, Eye Specialist. Dr R D Gupta is vice-president, Paryavaran Sanstha and also member of J&K Pollution Control Board.
His word to researchers in agriculture and horticulture is to exploit the local resources mostly and gave some examples in this respect in context of this part of the country. He underlined the importance of extension field workers. He has earned the word of praise from notable agriculture scientist like late Dr N.S. Randhawa and some others.
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